And A Shooting Star

This morning I woke to the sound of two Great Horned Owls having a conversation in the Mesquite tree in my backyard. Still dark I knew I would not get a photograph but I wanted (needed) to see them. They never seem to mind me coming out in the yard just to watch and listen.

The one owl was in his normal spot at the top of the tree. I could see his silhouette. I could not see the owl responding to his call, and whose voice was a little higher in pitch. Then the other owl popped up to greet the male, at least I think it is a male. As the two were introducing themselves, a shooting star shot by over their heads - wow! Two owls and a shooting star to start my morning. All this before coffee, time to grab my mug and go back out to see if there are any more stars flying about.

Great Horned Owl pastel, charcoal on coffee stained paper 8X10

Travel Time

Things are coming together for the start of our road trip, bucket list stops, picking up RV, art shows, seeing friends, family and football at VA Tech. We kind-of kicked it off by going west for our anniversary this year, a short visit to CA. We literally will be going coast to coast.

We have our house sitter and friends all lined up for checking in on things and helping out along the trail. I will do my best to write blogs along the way of our new adventures. Rick will keep the Facebook pictures posted. Some highlights coming up: our trip was inspired by purchasing a Teardrop style RV. It is being made in Quebec, Canada and was back ordered. It will be ready late September and we need to be there to pick it up, hence the road trip.  After we pick up our little home on wheels, we head to MD. Staying with our friends Eric & Lori Rice, who own Willow Oaks craft cider & wine, with a large tasting room that houses original art. While we are there, my fellow artist friend Marilu Tousignaut and I will have a show at the Art Space within Willow Oaks. There are 2 stories of wall space and lots of new works will be on display. Opening weekend is October 20-21st from 11-5 each day. We will do demonstrations, talks on our techniques, Sunday afternoon, The Martin Family Band will perform folk-Celtic music for your enjoyment. Hope  you can stop by if you are in the area. October & November will have a few visits to VA Tech in Blacksburg, VA for football games, award dinners and new works coming to the Matrix Gallery on Main Street.

Lots going on this fall, we will get to visit with family and friends all along the way. But, before we hit the road, we must finish packing and load the car. That's my cue to wrap things up until next time.

Here's a sneak peak of some of the work heading east.

Inspirations Everywhere

This morning, even before coffee, the great horned owl who comes to visit our mesquite tree in the backyard was hooting away. It was pre-dawn so no great photos but will share some other photos and works in progress.

I am overwhelmed at the inspiration I great from nature. So much so that this morning I ended up going up to our flat roof so I could get a better view of the owl. Rick, got up shortly after my adventure to ask why was I walking around on the roof? When I told him the owl, he just went oh, okay, because he knows, it's what I do to see what I can see.

I am currently working on several pieces for the upcoming show at Willow Oaks in Maryland. Don't forget to mark those calendars for October 20-21st 11-5 come by and see new works, hear music on Sunday afternoon by The Martin Family Band, enjoy the autumn view and try some craft cider. It will be a great weekend, Marilu Tosuignaut and I will be there both days, doing demonstrations, talking about our techniques and sharing stories of our memories that inspired the works. Location: 6219 Harley Road, Middletown, MD

Until, then here are a few teasers...

One of two great horned owl pastel and charcoal pieces on coffee stained paper 8x10"

Willow Oaks craft cider & wine 6219 Harley Rd., Middletown, MD 

The Martin Family Band

Our neighborhood great horned owl

Marilu demoing scratchboard

Linda's sprayed charcoal technique with magpie 

Lost And Found

In my own special way I am pretty organized. The problems usually develops when I put things away in a safe place. I am in preparation mode these days. In the studio as much as possible to paint in oils. There really is a method to my art making madness. The oils need to be done first because they need to dry in order to be packed for travel. Yes, you can travel with wet canvases but I prefer these to be framed and ready to hang.

The in-between times while waiting for the painting I am working on to dry I prep other works. Pulling pictures out for references, making sketches, notan studies and preparing works to be framed. This was where the lost part comes in...I knew I had a small piece that I wanted to include in the show in October. I had put it away while I was gone to teach at CGOTH. The challenge was finding what I had safely tucked away. It took pretty much all day. I looked through the flat files, storage cabinets, print bins, and works to be framed, twice, but still not there. Finally, remembered I have a paper file for pieces waiting to be framed. I rarely use it but there it was, the last placed I looked!

Now, just waiting for the frames to arrive. Still making choices of what art goes where. Trying to think of shows I need work for in 2020, it is a strange business, having to plan sometimes two years in advance. Wish me luck that I don't lose anything else.

Found works and works waiting to be framed.

How I organize for works to be done.

In Search of Mars

As the sun was setting, the wind was picking up and the clouds came rolling in, I truly did not think I would see the moon last night. This time of year in AZ it is not only hot but windy. Monsoon season does not always mean rain, it can often be sand or just winds. Last night it was wind, a very warm wind that pushed the clouds out, exposing the moon and Mars.

The reports on the news focus on the blood moon, the effect of light reflecting on the moon because of a total eclipse. Which could not be seen from N. America. But, the other part of that was Mars was very close to the earth and moon, so close it could be seen on a clear night with just your eye. Sure enough, I could see it, not near as big as some might think but no doubt that it was a planet. My photos don't really show much, but you could see color from Mars. There was reflections in the clouds with color, the moon kept getting brighter and brighter as the evening went on, just to show off a little.

So, here is my little attempt to capture the Moon and Mars.

The evening started with clouds

Close up with veil of clouds

Within a half hour the clouds had gone

View of blood moon and to lower right the planet Mars

Owls

This morning I was greeted by our neighborhood Great Horned Owl. I only had my cell phone with me so not a great photo but enough for a memory and maybe even a reference for future works. This reminded me that I told my students from the Art of the Bird class that I would post a few photos of the Barred Owl who was fluttering around a bit before settling on it's stand.

Here are a few reference photos that you may use if you would like. I played around with some in photoshop, removing some of the background, flipping one of the images and zooming in for details. When working from photo references or rescue birds it is important to use multiple photos and to look at birds in nature. You may have a great photo of the wings but the face is out of focus, find a photo of a face in focus that is the same position to create your painting. Be aware of light sources, direction of light and reflections in the birds eyes.
Rescue birds are there for a reason, they can not survive in the wild. They may have damage to a wing, eye, talons or neurological which may cause them to sit in a unnatural position. Observe nature, you are the artist, use photos as a reference and create the painting to be your own, in your style. I try to be true to the bird or animal even trees that I am using in my work. I study them to learn their names, and parts of the country/world that they live. I look forward to seeing what you create. Enjoy!

A Light Show

A very inspiring morning, a study of lights and dark's. This morning I woke to flashing lights. It was still dark outside so the lights were pretty bright. I brewed my coffee and went out to watch the show. There was flashing light in the distance, soon the thunder came, with a little wind and more light. The sun was rising somewhere behind the clouds creating lovely soft tones in the sky.

This was a wonderful example and a way to end art workshops that dealt with lights, whites, dark's, not blacks. If that seems a little confusing, next year you can come take one of my classes.

Here are a few photos from this morning performance. A little light, some dark's and lovely soft colors. This AZ landscape keeps temping me to do a painting. We shall see what I can come up with that is not a landscape.

Companions

It has been awhile since I have written a blog post. The last couple of weeks I have been teaching at Common Ground on the Hill. Had a great time, wonderful students that produced amazing work. While I was there blue jean canvases were given away for free. I took one to experiment on, my students ask if pastel would work on canvas. Why yes it will but needs to be sealed. I was not 100% sure about blue jean canvas so I gave it a try. There is a grain that makes it hard to draw fine lines with pastel pencils. Medium soft pastels work better then really soft pastels. It too needs to be sealed, it took several sprays but did not lose the whites too much.

The first image was a barn owl, after-all we were doing a bird class. Here is a picture, it is 16x20" blue jean canvas with sealed soft pastel. Title: & Seek

Since this bird was looking at something, needed to figure out what he might be looking at, with the help of my friend, Lori, a little inspiration came about. The second image is a bunny. Titled: Hide 

Both pieces are on display at Willow Oaks craft cider and wine, in the Art Spaces. They are open Saturdays and Sundays 11:00 - 5:00. The Art Spaces are many, going throughout the two stories of the three story building. They are located at 6219 Harley Rd., Middletown, MD 

A little side note: Save the date, October 20-21st, 2018, Marilu Tousignaut and I will be showing together again. The theme of the show is " Rooted In Memories". We will revisited some of the places we have traveled together and create new work. We will have demonstrations going on and there should be music, working on the details.

Black & White

Starting with the basics, black and white. The workshops I teach start kind of at the beginning, looking for, contrast, the dark's and light's. How to deal with white or light on a dark surface and vise versa. In preparing for my demo's I make studies with step by step photos for future reference. The step by step will be posted in an album on Facebook, sometimes on YouTube. I'll keep you posted as to when they go up and where.

I have two black and white pieces on the drawing table at the moment. I have been wanting to do a magpie for some time now and thought it a good transition piece as the black and white bird has some lovely blues. This image will be used in the birds class, using a wet charcoal technique for the background.

The other image is on black paper. Using this process it helps to learn to look closely at what you are drawing/painting. Looking at the lights first and only drawing what you see, from there we will quickly move into toned paper. Toned paper helps to remove the fear of looking at a white piece of paper. Starting with a grey mid-tone, remove the highlights/light areas and finish the work using charcoal pencils to create the dark in the image. It always amazes me how a 3 tone image is so beautiful.

If you have questions about my workshops, want to set up private lessons, commissions or sale of my work, check out my website or email me. lindahp@lindaharrisonparsons.com
website: http://www.lindaharrisonparsons.com

The Smell Of Rain

This has been a very dry and warmer year in Arizona. This morning we have rain, a gentle rain with clouds that look like they may stay around for the day, hopefully. I have always loved the smell of rain in the air. In Arizona they say if you crush the leaf of the creosote bush it smell like rain in the desert. It is a different smell then back east. May be a little sweeter instead of earthy, like in wooded areas.

This morning I enjoyed sitting outside, it was cooler, the sound of the rain hitting the roof and of course the smell. I could not resist taking a few photos and trying to think how can I incorporate this feeling into my art. I will be in the studio most of the day, we shall see what comes from this tranquil moment.

When White Is Not White

Lately, I have been painting unique bird images. The black crowned night heron chick for instance. A funny little guy that made me smile, so had to paint him. This week I finished a mother egret. At first I thought she was sitting on her nest of eggs. On closer inspection of my photos I saw there were two babies tucked under her. I did not put the babies in the picture because it was more about how she spread her feathers to create a soft, save, space for her babies.

Painting this white egret in early morning sun it became all about what makes white when there is so much color reflected, in the shadows and cast shadows. White, like reflective objects, silver, copper, glass, is about what you see, not what you think is there. One of the things I tell my students is; whites or lights are only as bright as the darkest dark beside the white in the composition. The other is look at your reference and paint what you see...with that being said, as an artist it is your interpretation that creates your art. Kind of falls under the learn the rules so you can break the rules.

The more I worked on the egret, I did not use pure white, well, was close to pure white at the very end. Most of the white was toned down with shades of blues, mixed with some reds, even yellows, browns and a touch of grays.

The piece started with a wood panel that had previously been painted with blues left over from my palette. I put it away and literally forgot about it, as I was cleaning up my studio I found it and several other panels. Some are prepared with different colored backgrounds. The others I primed this week with white gesso. Will just have to wait and see what they become...I have ideas brewing.

Here is the finished egret and a little step by step from beginning, middle and end. Any questions about this technique you can always email me at: lharrisonparsons@gmail.com

"Soft Spot" mother egret oil on wood panel

"Where's Mom" Black Crowned Night Heron chick, oil with sealed charcoal & graphite on panel

 

Look Out Below

The saguaro cactus has gone from flower to fruit. We truly have a bird sanctuary in our back yard.  Our birds are a combination of locals and migratory. This time of year, many of those birds that pass through on to other locations, maybe cooler then AZ leave with full bellies. The fruit of the cactus are rich in color and apparently favor.

The birds are there morning, evening, and throughout the day to get some of these lovely fruits. They jockey for positions. The white winged dove is a big  bird and it uses it's size to move other birds along. This year especially, there is lots of fruit to be had for everyone, yet there still is that power struggle. Plus, if you are under the cactus looking up to take a photo you need to watch out as the birds finish eating the inside of the fruit then knock it off, one almost got me this morning.

I am hopeful that the hooded oriole will come back. Two of them were on the cactus at evening light. Ran inside to get my camera, by the time I got back out they were gone. The bright yellow-orange with the contrasting red green of the cactus and strong sunlight was pretty amazing. I can not complain too much about that lost shot as I have gotten many photos this year of the birds that hang around our backyard. We have the curved-billed thrasher, gila woodpecker, common flicker, cactus wren, white winged dove, mourning dove, phainopepla, verdin, mockingbird, peach faced lovebirds...and more. 

Here are a few pictures, you may want to make note of the names. More to come on that next week.

Common Flicker

House Finch

curved-billed thrasher

 

white winged dove

saguaro fruit 

peach faced lovebird, non-native but now lives in AZ

Everyday Should be World Environment Day

The United Nations, since 1974 has help bring international awareness to World Environment Day. This year India is the host country and the theme is Beat Plastic Pollution. #BeatPlasticPollution

You can be involved by pledging to give up one plastic convenience and find an alternative. Millions of plastics are found in our oceans, waterways and our drinking water systems. Plastic bags blow into trees and across our land.

I think of myself as an environmental artist. Personally, I want to keep seeing the beauty of the mountains, the forest and the seas. I document moments in time, I do this because what is here today may not be here tomorrow. It is my way of supporting nature and wildlife in hopes that we can prevent additional extinction.

Opening soon in Vancouver is a special project in collaboration with the International Ornithological Congress. Artists painted small canvases that will be mounted together to created one large mural of birds that are on the endangered species list. There are 678 birds in the world that are on this list. Plastics have an in-pack on birds, nesting material now contains pieces of plastic.

Find a way to up-cycle, make something new instead of just throwing things into the recycle bin. Doing little things can make changes.

Annobon Scops-owl

Bate's Weaver

Telling Stories

June 1st, it has been a busy year so far. Lots of friends and family coming to AZ to visit. Art shows coming and going. With a few more ahead, along with workshops in Maryland just around the corner. I may have mentioned that I am updating my web site. Creating a new background, adding new images, and thinking about how to tell the story of my work.

Over the years, when ever I sell my work at shows, even on-line, or as a gift, everyone likes to know the story behind the creation. This will create a bit more work but I have never been know for doing things the short, fast or easy way. Hopefully, it won't be too long before I have it updated with new images and a few stories that tell of the inspiration in nature to create the art.

This is on the fly but here is a little example of what I plan to do on the web site. Just a story with one image and additional images on the same page that followed.

The caracara hawk was inspired by a photograph I had taken many years ago at the San Diego Zoo. I have been experimenting with dark sometimes abstract background and bringing the bird or animal out of that darkness. I knew this was the year to finally make this piece come to life. We went to Tucson and there was a young caracara at the Sonora Living Desert Museum. He had been rescued and now would be one of the education birds in their free flight program.

Since, seeing that youngster I have been lucky in capturing photo references of many baby birds: blacked crowned night herons, egrets, great horned owls, hummingbirds and robins all in their nest. Keep checking back for new works inspired by these babies and their parents.

Black Crowned Night Heron chic

Robins, with the nest built into a corner

These works are for sale, email me for details: lindahp@lindaharrisonparsons.com

Things To Come

I have not been writing my blog as much as I use to, not that I don't have lots of things going on in art. Maybe too many things, nah that's not it, just been struggling with finding my flow lately. I have, as I am sure you have too, been getting lots of notices on privacy settings on anything computer related. Some different things like my web site will no longer support a connection to my blog. Thought that was interesting. It started me wondering if I should keep writing my blog???

The blog has been a way to share my art, teaching, techniques, travel and photography. Life has a way of changing things, moving us forward, even if we are not ready. I do have a lot of things coming up over the summer and into the fall. I think I will keep writing and putting the information out there in cyber space. As the year comes to an end I will see if it is time to change, to let go of the blog. I will still write an article here and there on LinkedIn. I try to do those every other month. My plan is to get back to writing at least one blog post a week. 

With all that being said, here is this weeks art info!

Saturday, May 26th you can find me plein aire painting at the Desert Ridge Market Place. Sponsored by Soutern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance. This is the same location I have done the street murals. There will be 17 artists on site. Stop on by and see what we are creating. We will be there from 11:00 to 3:00. Award winners will be announced between 2-2:30.

This is the last weekend my art will be up at the i.d.e.a. Museum in Mesa, AZ. If you are in Mesa area, check it out but be prepared it is a Museum designed to inspire kids creativity. Plus, go by the Center for Arts check out the exhibits there. If you are interested in classes they have lots to offer.

There are still spaces open for classes at Common Ground on the Hill. They have expanded to three weeks this year. Check the web site under Traditions Weeks to see a listing of all the classes. I will be teach Art of Nature, Week II and Art of the Bird, Week III. http://www.commongroundonthehill.org

Okay, think that is enough for today! If you have any question about classes or art work you can always e-mail me at: lharrisonparsons@gmail.com

Here are some pretty pictures to go along with the blog.

detail of oil painting handing at i.d.e.a. Museum, Mesa, AZ

me plein aire painting

heron at i.d.e.a. Museum